Since its formation as Birmingham Civic Opera in 1955, Opera Birmingham has staged more than 50 different works. With two productions every season – usually in January and March – tried-and-true is usually the fare. Thus Aida – complete with elephant and camel – was performed in 2005 and again five years later.
The Opera Birmingham Vocal Competition has been a fixture in late spring for more than 30 years. The program provides cash prizes to young singers at the outset of their careers and offers them the opportunity of performing in a professional setting.
The Opera’s program “Opera in Education” offers a series of performances of one-act operas to Birmingham schools to introduce youngsters to opera, based on such familiar stories as Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs.
Opera Birmingham Information
- Venues: Wright Center, Brock Recital Hall (both on Samford University campus)
- Public Transportation: Poor at both venues
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good at both venues
- Performances/Programs: Approximately 5 productions per season, with one or two performances of each
- Ticket Prices: Vary widely ($15-100) depending on production, date, and seating
- Subscriptions: Season subscriptions (starting at $40) include ticket exchange and priority seating benefits, and invitations to exclusive events
- Membership: The Amici program is a program for young professional donors (ages 21-45) that offers season ticket discounts, seating privileges and special event invitations. Additional benefits available to members of the Impresario Circle(with considerably higher donations).
